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Council approves police motorcycle replacement (BMW) after public comment on local sourcing and safety
Summary
After public comment both opposing and supporting a move away from Harley-Davidson, the council approved the police motors unit's request to replace older motorcycles with BMW models; Chief Johnson and motors officers cited safety, maneuverability and production changes at Harley as reasons to change. Council approved the consent item 8gs 5-0.
The Amarillo City Council voted to approve item 8gs, a contract to replace motorcycle units for the Amarillo Police Department's motor unit with BMW motorcycles, after a public discussion and an opportunity for the chief to explain the request.
Public comment: Members of the public urged both positions. One commenter urged council to pull the item and buy local and American-made motorcycles, saying, "Buying Ford made bikes in Dallas does not do this" and arguing local jobs and warranties as reasons to delay the purchase. Another speaker who is participating in the city's Citizens Police Academy supported approving the replacement, saying: "Those police officers need the best equipment."
Chief and staff explanation: Amarillo Police Chief Johnson said the motors unit requested a change after reviewing other agencies' experiences and demonstrating better safety features on the BMWs, including braking and maneuverability. "My officers that are riding them every day are telling me how they're safer, they're more maneuverable, the braking is better," the chief said. Staff noted Harley Davidson Road King and Electra Glide models are no longer in the same production lines used previously, and that comparative upfitting makes the two brands roughly similar in total cost when outfitted for police use. Fleet staff said local shops could perform preventative maintenance and that warranty work would be handled in the metroplex as required.
Council action: After discussion and audience comment, councilmember moved and seconded approval of 8gs and the motion passed 5-0. The mayor said the decision was made based on officers' operational guidance and safety.
